Fabio Cannavaro is widely considered one of the best defenders ever. Born in Naples in 1973, Cannavaro is best known for helping Italy lift the FIFA World Cup in 2006, requiring phenomenal defensive skill, leadership and spirit. Over just more than 19 years, he built a career that was studded with trophies and individual honors, including the Ballon d’Or in 2006 — a generation’s rarity for a defender.
FIFA World Cup Success
2006 FIFA World Cup Victory
- Italy allowed two goals in seven games, and neither came from open play (one was an own goal, the other was a penalty kick).
- Throughout the tournament, Cannavaro tallied 71 clearances, 42 interceptions and would also win 83% of his duels.
- In the semifinal vs. Germany (2-0 AET), he produced a near-perfect performance (100% pass success; 9 major defensive interventions).
- Final vs. France (1-1, won on penalties): Cannavaro was superb — stonewalling French strikers, like Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet.
- FIFA World Cup Silver Ball (2nd best player of the tournament after Zidane)
- His captaincy skills and defensive genius earned him the name “Il Muro di Berlino” (The Berlin Wall) based on the final played in Berlin, Germany.
Career Records and Statistics
Cannavaro’s career is strewn with club and international honors. Here are some of his statistics and records from his career:
Napoli (1992–1995)
- 58 appearances, 1 goal
- Professional debut at 19 years old.
Parma (1995–2002)
- 289 appearances, 6 goals
- UEFA Cup Winner (1999)
Inter Milan (2002–2004)
- 94 appearances, 3 goals
Juventus (2004-2006, 2009-10)
- 127 appearances, 7 goals
- 2x Serie A Champion (2004–05, 2005–06) — problems following Calciopoli scandal
Real Madrid (2006–2009)
- 118 appearances, 1 goal
- 16 appearances, 2 goals
- Retired at the age of 38.
International career (1997–2010)
- 136 caps for Italy (2nd most capped Italian of all-time behind Buffon)
- Winner 2006 FIFA World Cup & Silver Ball Award.
- Euro 2000 Runner-up.
Fabio Cannavaro’s Lifestyle and Net Worth
Cannavaro, still has plenty of juice left in the old engine. His sumptuous lifestyle has been financed through years of playing success and managerial gigs.
Net Worth & Earnings
Cannavaro’s estimated net worth: $45 million. He has set contracts worth around €7 million per year at the peak of his career and has dozens of millions that come from coaching contracts in China and Saudi Arabia.
Personal Life
He is married to Daniela Arenoso, with whom he has three children. The FIFA star leads a life of luxury with various estates in Naples, Dubai, and Spain. He has a passion for luxury cars and owns Ferrari, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce.
After Retirement & Coaching Career
Cannavaro has been busy after his retirement and has found his new career in the coaching field. He has managed clubs such as Guangzhou Evergrande, Tianjin Quanjian and the China national team. The former FIFA star has also coached Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia) in 2022.
Legacy and Influence
Because Fabio Cannavaro is not just a world-class defender; he is the captain, leader, idol, and inspiration for future generations. His leadership, defensive prowess and World Cup heroics are transcendent. On or off the field, his impact on the game is as bright as ever.
